Review: Ruined by Amy Tintera

Title: Ruined
Author: Amy Tintera
Series: Book One in the Ruined Series
Published By: Harper Teen (May 3, 2016)
Source: ARC Copy Provided by the Publisher (in exchange for an honest review)
Genre: YA Fantasy
My Rating: 4.5 Stars!


Book Description:
Emelina Flores has nothing. Her home in Ruina has been ravaged by war. She lacks the powers of her fellow Ruined. Worst of all, she witnessed her parents’ brutal murders and watched helplessly as her sister, Olivia, was kidnapped.

But because Em has nothing, she has nothing to lose. Driven by a blind desire for revenge, Em sets off on a dangerous journey to the enemy kingdom of Lera. Somewhere within Lera’s borders, Em hopes to find Olivia. But in order to find her, Em must infiltrate the royal family.

In a brilliant, elaborate plan of deception and murder, Em marries Prince Casimir, next in line to take Lera’s throne. If anyone in Lera discovers Em is not Casimir’s true betrothed, Em will be executed on the spot. But it’s the only way to salvage Em’s kingdom and what is left of her family.


Em is determined to succeed, but the closer she gets to the prince, the more she questions her mission. Em’s rage-filled heart begins to soften. But with her life—and her family—on the line, love could be Em’s deadliest mistake. 

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Tintera has never failed to entertain with her stories that are every bit as fantastical as they are dark. Always with the right blend of action and romance, and darkness to make them stand out and shine.

Her books are always riddled with the serious as much as they are with the funny lighter moments. Her heroines are always fierce, kickbutt, strong, determined, and they know how to get what they want and Em, is just such a character. From the very first pages, we are thrown right into the very person that Em is. Someone who will be everything her people need her to be while still not losing who she is inside, which is caring, loving, and completely loyal. She can be hard and tough but still retains a softer side despite all that she has seen, done, and been through. 

In other words, Em is the type of heroine I absolutely adore. 

This story isn't completely original but it is something special nonetheless. It is entertaining to the core and was immensely hard to put down. 

I loved every minute of it and ended up devouring it in a matter of hours, sad that I didn't have book two out ready for me to read after. 

I think this will end up being another hit series from this author and I look forward to reading them all. 

*All thoughts and opinions are my own and were not influenced by the author or publisher. I was not compensated for this review.*